My youngest daughter was still in high school when the devastating cuts to education funding were initiated by the current elected officials. I stood by and watched as programs and teachers were eliminated in response to reduced budgets. I also have stood by and watched as gas wells have been drilled with the profits going out of state while our landowners do not reap the profits that were promised. Additionally, I have seen our state government set priorities that benefit corporations to the detriment of individuals and families. Finally, I have watched as Westmoreland County pays almost $100,000 a year to lobbyists to represent our County’s interests in Harrisburg and have asked, “Why do we need lobbyists when we have state representatives in Harrisburg?”

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I know I don’t have all of the answers and that these problems do not have an easy solution. I know, though, that I can do better and that my community deserves a representative who watches out for community interests rather than a political party agenda.

Birth Date / Location

September 24, 1956 in Pittsburgh, PA

Current Hometown

City of Greensburg, Westmoreland County, PA

Family

Elizabeth, Benjamin, Catherine, and my-soon-to-be son-in-law Wil

Education

1978. Duquesne University. B.A. in English and Rhetoric

1981. Duquesne University. J.D.

Career

As a law school student, I worked in the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. In 1981, I accepted a job there as an assistant district attorney when I graduated from law school. In 1988, I went to work in the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office where I prosecuted child abuse cases. In 1988, I joined the Office of the Attorney General, Environmental Crimes Section. In 1996, I transferred to the Organized Crime and Narcotics Section.

When I turned fifty in 2006, I opened my own practice in Greensburg. Today, I still have my own practice in Westmoreland County. In addition, I work part-time for the Westmoreland County Public Defender’s Office. I also am Of Counsel with my brother’s law firm, The McClelland Law Group, located in Pittsburgh, PA.

Why do you want to be a State Representative?

My youngest daughter was still in high school when the devastating cuts to education funding were initiated by the current elected officials. I stood by and watched as programs and teachers were eliminated in response to reduced budgets. I also have stood by and watched as gas wells have been drilled with the profits going out of state while our landowners do not reap the profits that were promised. Additionally, I have seen our state government set priorities that benefit corporations to the detriment of individuals and families. Finally, I have watched as Westmoreland County pays almost $100,000 a year to lobbyists to represent our County’s interests in Harrisburg and have asked, “Why do we need lobbyists when we have state representatives in Harrisburg?”

I know I don’t have all of the answers and that these problems do not have an easy solution. I know, though, that I can do better and that my community deserves a representative who watches out for community interests rather than a political party agenda.

What more, if anything, should be done to ensure Pennsylvanians have clean air and water without compromising the economic benefits of gas drilling and fracking operations?

Response: It is important for our Commonwealth to protect the business of gas production. It is also important, however, that this protection be provided in a way that does not sell out our citizens and our future. A gas extraction tax can provide funds to be set aside for a rapid response to clean up any environmental damage resulting from accidents caused by fracking operations. Additionally, the DEP must be proactive in monitoring gas wells and containment ponds to prevent environmental accidents before they happen. Next, state employees cannot be discouraged from responding to negative events resulting from fracking operations. Finally, the public should be given full information about accidents and negative health effects which may result from fracking so that our communities can make informed decisions about where and when to permit gas drilling.

What changes, if any, do you support in the taxation and regulation of natural gas and oil drilling industry operations in Pennsylvania?

Response: Please see my response above.

Do you support the privatization of state liquor stores?

Response: I recognize that the state liquor stores must be updated and more responsive to consumer needs. I do not believe, however, that this requires that the stores be privatized. Most importantly, I am concerned that the dispensing of alcohol remain in the hands of professionals. Too many of our high school and underage college students use alcohol as recreation. In addition, the state derives ongoing and substantial profits from the stores which would be lost should the stores be sold.

How should Pennsylvania address concerns over the public employee pension system?

Response: The public employee pension system suffered many years ago when the state failed to live up to the scheduled payments. As a result, municipalities are now forced to make exorbitant payments to prevent future underfunding. To some extent, this situation will adjust by 2015 when the last of the inflated payments are due. To prevent future deficits, we need to consider a pension plan which combines private investment with employer contributions.

What more would you do to make sure patients do not suffer next year after UPMC and Highmark finalize their divorce?

Response: Establish a board through the Insurance Commission which can act as a mediator for patients who cannot satisfy their health care needs after the break-up. Also, a state representative cannot be afraid to step in to help a constituent navigate a solution between the health insurance providers.

What changes, if any, should be made to state law to enable local governments to raise additional revenue from major non-profits in their roles as employers and property owners?

Response: I support legislation which would permit local municipalities to impose property taxes on large non-profit corporations which own property, employ more than 50 employees, and cannot establish that more than a certain percentage of its services are provided free of charge or at a reduced rate, taking the client’s income into account.

Should there be a reduction in the size of the Pennsylvania legislature? How would such a change affect state residents?

Response: I support a reduction in the size of the legislature with a recognition that smaller rural communities deserve a voice equal to that of urban areas. Rather than engaging in gerrymandering to protect political parties, I would support a reduction in the size of the legislature which takes into account the economic and cultural identity of the communities as well as their population and voting records.

Should Pennsylvania establish a higher minimum wage in the state?

Response: I support a higher minimum wage which would keep pace with inflation and which would enable working families to support themselves with pride, dignity, and without government assistance.

Would you support a change in public schools funding to rely on a source other than property taxes?

Response: Yes. The education of our children is a statewide concern regardless of the community in which the child lives. The funding of education, therefore, should be supported by statewide efforts as well. By primarily relying on local property taxes to fund its schools, the state has shifted the responsibility for financing education from that of every citizen of the Commonwealth to one which is placed on local communities whether or not they are able to bear the cost.

If Pennsylvania could only take one step toward improving the quality of public education in low-income urban areas such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg, what would that step be?

Response: We need to pay more public attention to schools in these areas. By this I mean, our government officials need to make more in-person visits to these schools. Our news media need to write more articles and produce more television reports concerning these schools. The parents in these areas need to participate more in public meetings and openly demand that the schools respond to their concerns. Where there is public attention, there tends to be more focus on solving the problems which may fester in the dark. Money doesn’t solve all problems. Care and attention can do more.